Not all adventures happen in the wilderness, so it makes sense that not all backpacks would be built for the wilderness, either. Sometimes, the best adventures to be had can be found right in the city–and these bags are exactly what you’ll want to take you through them.
Backpacks built for discovery
I love a good day hike, but when it comes down to it, I’m a city girl. My favourite adventures are the ones that you can have in the heart of the city, be it your own or one that you’re just discovering.
My hometown of Edmonton is perfect for that, because our small downtown has plenty of building both old and new to explore. And, when you’re done with that, there’s a gorgeous river valley that splits the city in two, separating the downtown core from the bustling university district.
I’ve said it again and again: the best backpacks are ones that you can use every day, and these ones fit that criteria to a tee. You never know when adventure is going to take you, so a backpack that can do it all–both your day-to-day stuff and your adventuring–is a major advantage.
My favourite of this bunch is the navy Fossil Estate Backpack, with its simple design, easy-access front pocket, and arrow-fletched linear print. It’s the kind of bag that would look at home on both a college fashion blogger and an exploring photographer, which is exactly what you want in an urban pack. Don’t let its minimalist silhouette deceive you, either–it contains a laptop section, a zippered pocket, and two slip pockets within its large main compartment, so you’re definitely not going to be at a lack for space.
If you’re looking for a sportier bag, the black Burton Apollo 19L Backpack and grey JanSport Source 26L Backpack are two other great choices. Both bags have a tall, slim silhouette with plenty of padding, so they’re nice and comfortable and won’t ruin the lines of your outfit. They both feature larger accessory pockets than the Fossil as well, and may be a better option for those who have a tendency to carry a very large pack.
Luggage pieces for the best weekend adventure ever
Urban adventuring doesn’t have to stop in your own city, though–not at all. While I think that grabbing a backpack and seeing where the day takes you is a great way to get to know your city better, it’s a wonderful way to explore other places, too.
Bags like the Burton Backhill 20″ Duffel Bag and Roots Weekender Bag are great packs to take with you on a weekend trip by bus or car, as they can be slung easily over your shoulder in transit and offer more space than a traditional backpack for all of your essentials. I particularly like the versatility of the Burton Backhill bag, which can be taken from summer adventuring across the country to weekend afternoons at the ski hill.
For the adventurer who doesn’t want to carry around all of their belongings on their back, though (I feel your pain,) there’s always the Burton Wheelie Cargo Bag. It comes in a really cute, vintage-inspired rustic finish, and it’s almost shockingly stylish for a bag designed by what is ostensibly “just” a snowboard accessory line. It’s covered in waxed cotton canvas and has a double deck design, and features CRAM stretch zippers for all of you over-packers out there.
(Okay, fine, for all of us over-packers out there.)
Finally, finish getting packed for your urban adventure with the travel accessories that you need, and you’ll be ready to go!
